Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl The Hague, 1948

This armchair is an early and rare piece representing Dutch Modernism. Slanting, oblique lines characterize the frame, which gives this chair a distinctive shape. Jan den Drijver des...

The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs...

This elegant armchair by Dutch designer, Bas Van Pelt is a classically luxe model with a level of craftsmanship that’s immediately visible to any eye. The construction of this rare 1940s design is simple at its core, but thanks to the details, it is a unique representation of early Dutch modernism. While Bas Van Pelt's creative work was primarily influenced by the 1920s straight lines dominated by The Hague School, this armchair is the result of his more mature design era, which was primarily dominated by natural materials and more curvature. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the airy arrangement of the arms and legs. The curved lines of the armrests are beautifully crafted and follow the raised seat’s angle. The curves nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, keeping it from appearing too strict. Apart from the expert woodwork, the upholstered seat and back stand out as well. The light bouclé fabric is tightly fitted around the frame, and the seat’s thick shape is an especially pleasing element that offers plenty of comfort both figuratively and literally. The overreaching backs further enhance the back’s widening shape and thus allow the individual loops of the yarn to stand out. The block legs blend seamlessly into the back and form a gentle angle. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the luxurious upholstery, this armchair provides great comfort. This model can be easily used as an accent chair thanks to its characteristic details, but can also complement a wide variety of interior styles with it refined and elegant style. Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models are quite rare, a few are preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 24.6 in W x 24.4 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.22 in 62.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality. While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window coverings...

In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products. Among the first pieces was “Farmor”, which soon became the most popular armchair model. In 1956, Carl Malmsten was on one of his regular visits to Sjögren's Upholstery Workshop in Tranås to develop new models for his furniture program. That was when this “Grandma” chair...

This beautiful 'Worpsweder' armchair was designed in the 1920s by German artist, Willi Ohler and was manufactured by Erich Schultz in Germany. The so-called “Worpsweder” either deno...

In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products. Among the first pieces was Farmor, wh...

Elegant and rare Mid-Century Modern high back lounge chair. Design by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl Den Haag. A true example of Dutch Modern,Jan den Drijver designed this distinctive ...

Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for Gelderland, with newly restored carved wood frames and newly upholstered cushions...

Important pair of Chairs and small Cabinet designed and manufactured during Jan den Drijver’s formative years in The Hague when he established ‘Woningrichting De Stijl’, a showroom a...

This early Dutch Mid-Century armchair was designed by Jan den Drijver, Ca. the 1940s and features a distinctive frame made from solid Oak. The Moss green fabric is complimenting the...

A very nice example of The Hague School from the 1930s. A geometric design using Coromandel solid wood as decorative details.

Interesting architectural rectilinear design employing solid quarter sawn oak, circa 1960s. Possibly European due to the use of French Oak, and the unusual, Neo-rationalist form. Con...